ARABIAN GULF - Representatives from member states of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), along with representatives from 25 additional countries, gathered on September 16 for a Main Planning Conference aboard HMS Cardigan Bay (K630).

In light of recent threats to international shipping, representatives reaffirmed their nations’ continued commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea, and the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al Mandeb, and discussed multinational efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security throughout key waterways in the region.

The IMSC is enabling nations to work cooperatively to promote the free flow of commerce, deter threats to shipping, and enhance maritime domain awareness and surveillance.

The IMSC Task Force is headquartered in Bahrain. Current members include the United Kingdom, Australia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the United States.